Hatch emphasized his experience and potential placement as chairman of the powerful Senate Finance Committee if he won. Liljenquist made the case that his challenger has used his influence for wasteful earmarks.

Liljenquist's campaign hoped to capitalize on some of the momentum that saw the ouster of three-term GOP Sen. Bob Bennett in 2010, fueled by a tea party surge that was much less united this time.

Hatch now heads to November seeking his seventh term which he says will be his last.